Help save water by using these tips

Rand Water is working hard to manage the water demand from municipal and industrial customers. The current combination of extremely high temperatures and no rainfall in the area of supply has resulted in high water consumption, which places stress on Rand Water’s system.

In a press release, Rand Water’s media relations manager, Justice Mohale, said they are monitoring reservoir levels. He also stated that it is important for the customer to monitor usage and adhere to water restrictions and prioritise on the repair of water leaks.

Did you know

• Showering can use up to 20 litres of water per minute.

• Reducing the toilet flush volume alone can save 20 per cent of total water consumption.

• Taking a bath can use between 80 and 150 litres of water per bath.

• A leaking toilet can waste up to 100 000 litres of water in one year.

• Using a garden hose to wash your car could use as much as 30 litres of water per minute.

• If you water your garden between 10am and 3pm you can lose up to 90 per cent of water to evaporation.

Water-saving tips

The Department of Water and Sanitation shares the following tips to save water:

• Turn the tap off between washing your face, brushing your teeth or shaving.

• Taking a five-minute shower a day will save you up to 400 litres a week, instead of having a bath.

• If you prefer to bath, don’t fill up the bathtub.

• Use low-flow showerheads, dual-flush toilet mechanisms and water-efficient washing machines.

• Kettles should not be filled to the brim but with just enough water for your needs. This will reduce your electricity bill too.

• Don’t overfill containers like cooking pots, as this may result in using more energy to heat the water.

• Avoid flushing the toilet unnecessarily. Dispose of tissues, insects and other waste in the trash rather than the toilet. Every time you flush the toilet, 12 litres of water is used.

• Use “grey water” – used water from baths, washing machines and other safe sources – to flush your toilet. • Do not overfill or excessively backwash your swimming pool.

• Use a bucket rather than a hose to wash your car. If you have to use a hose, use a sprayer that can be turned off in-between spraying the car.

In the garden

• Always water your plants during the early morning hours or in the evening, when temperatures are cooler.

• Every time you boil an egg, save the cooled water for your houseplants. They’ll benefit from the nutrients released from the shell.

• Focus on indigenous and non-water-consumptive alien plants (but not invasive alien plants).

• Group plants according to their water needs and add mulch around them.

• Water gardens less frequently, but water well.

• Remove invasive alien plants on your property.

• Roof water can also be profitably stored in tanks, for watering gardens.

• Use “grey water” – used water from baths, washing machines and other safe sources – to water your garden.